Ethiopia is the third largest refugee host in Africa with over 1M refugees, primarily from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. The conflict in Sudan has increased the number of displaced persons entering the country. On March 6, 2024, Ethiopia’s RRS and UNHCR began issuing digital identity documents for refugees.
As of February 28, 2025, Ethiopia stands as the third largest host country for refugees in Africa, accommodating over one million refugees and asylum seekers. The majority of these individuals originate from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. The recent armed conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has led to an influx of thousands of displaced individuals entering Ethiopia through various points of entry.
In a notable development on March 6, 2024, the Ethiopian government’s Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) collaborated with the National ID Program (NIDP) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This initiative marks the launch of a new program aimed at issuing digital identity documents, which will enhance the inclusion of refugees within the national system.
In summary, Ethiopia continues to play a significant role in providing refuge to those forcibly displaced, primarily from neighboring countries. The government’s recent initiatives to integrate refugees into the national framework through digital identity documents represent a positive step towards fostering inclusion and support for these vulnerable populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
